Shows of Note – Reely Reely Cool

Truly legends in not only the specialty genre of ska but the whole rock band population, Reel Big Fish is a band that has proven ska music can have a wide appeal.

Reel Big Fish

RBF formed in 1992, a year in which many of the students at CWU were born. The band has continued to produce solid punk rock tunes, with over ten studio produced albums. The band also has greatest hits, live and acoustic albums along with a few EPs to their name. With that arsenal of music in their back pocket RBF is known to put on one of the best rock shows around with over 250 show dates a year to their thousands of almost cult-like fans.

The band is old, but has been through a through a lot of change with only one founding member, lead singer Aaron Barrett left. In an interview with freelance journalist Marcus Beard, Barrett had this to say:

“I feel like I used to be a lot more clever and funny. I’m old,” he laments while his eyes wander around the room. “Monkeys for Nothing was leftover bullshit.”

Not too serious but at times too dark for mom, Reel Big Fish has continued to attract a throng of faithful supporters. The band will be performing in the northwest at Hawthorne Theatre in Portland on January 10, Showbox at the Market in Seattle on January 11 and The Knitting Factory in Spokane on January 13. Tune-in to The ‘Burg tonight (12/3) between 3 and 6 p.m. for a chance to win tickets to the Seattle show.